HC Deb 14 March 1960 vol 619 cc910-1
16. Mr. S. Silverman

asked the Minister of Labour what are the latest figures of unemployed cotton workers, corrected so far as possible for unregistered unemployed, in the constituency of Nelson and Colne; how many mills have given notice to close under the Cotton Industry Act by the end of March; and what is the estimated figure of unemployed cotton workers by 31st March, on the assumption that alternative work is not found by that date.

Mr. Heath

At 15th February, 1960, 525 people last employed on the spinning or weaving of cotton, linen and man made fibres were registered at employment exchanges and youth employment offices in Nelson and Colne which cover a wider area than the hon. Gentleman's constituency. In view of the terms of the compensation scheme, it is unlikely that any substantial number of unemployed people have failed to register. Forty-eight mills gave notice to close under the Act, 26 of which had closed by the end of February. Nine hundred and sixty people are employed at those mills due to close during March.

Mr. Silverman

With regard to nonregistration, does not the right hon. Gentleman know that there are a number of married women who work in these factories and who do not register? That was what I had in mind when I asked him to correct the figures for the unregistered unemployed. Moreover, is not the right hon. Gentleman in agreement with his officers in the neighbourhood that by 31st March, which is the operative date, 62 mills in this area ought to have closed, in pursuance of their notice under the Act, and that the number of workers involved and made redundant in the absence of alternative employment by that date will amount to about 2,500? What does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do with these displaced persons? Are we to go to the High Commissioner for Refugees, or is any step being taken?

Mr. Heath

The last sentence is unworthy of the hon. Member. The point I wished to make is that unemployed workers displaced under the scheme will need to register in order to maintain eligibility for compensation payment, that presumably they will all want to receive their compensation payment, and that they will therefore register.

Mr. Silverman

They do not.

Mr. Heath

The indications are that they do and that they will want to do so. The hon. Member said that the number of mills being closed was 62. I think that in that calculation he has included those mills which are scrapping some machinery and modernising, but which are not closing. The number closing is 48. As to the question about future employment, new projects are expected to provide employment for 800 men and 450 women in the area.

Mr. Silverman

Does the Minister not know that, in spite of this anticipated increased unemployment by the end of March of nearly 1,000 persons—on his own figures—nevertheless this area has not been included in those areas to be given assistance under the Local Employment Bill? Is he aware that the President of the Board of Trade has said that the reasons for that exclusion are crystal clear? Will he not take steps to make the President of the Board of Trade aware of the figures, themselves understated, for which he makes himself responsible?

Mr. Heath

I am aware of that fact. The President of the Board of Trade is well aware of the situation in the area. Neither of us accepts the figures which the hon. Member produced in his supplementary question.